Outlook: It's the first season for Metzger, a 2003 Buckeye Central graduate. He has only seven boys on his roster, but said his expectations are reasonably high.

"Basically, I'm looking for a lot of improvement as the year goes, get into the thick of the NCC," Metzger said. "Be in the middle of the NCC, and I have a few guys I think could place at the league meet."

Leading that group is Wurm, a senior who did not run last season.

"He's a clear cut No. 1," Metzger said. "My other three are all pretty close right now: Sam, Wyatt and Peter."

The coach said the players have adapted well to him.

"So far, so good, they're getting used to my difference in coaching style," he said.